Edwina Tops-Alexander has announced the retirement of her now 15-year-old mare California (L'Esprit x Bollvorm's Libero H, bred by J. Dunnewind and G. Van Beesten). With California, Tops-Alexander enjoyed huge success – winning the CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Prague in 2018, as well as the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Miami and the CSI5* Longines Grand Prix in Paris that same year. In 2017, the two won the CSI5* Grand Prix Hermès in Paris and the CSI5* Longines FEI World Cup in La Coruna. 

On her official Instagram account, Tops-Alexander wrote: "This is a tribute to announce the retirement one of my incredible horses California. Such a special horse that gave me and my team so much joy and pleasure. California always tried her best and gave maximum effort everytime she entered the ring. We achieved a lot of goals but most importantly the bond and connection we had together was very special which I believe is the reason for everything. Cali you will be missed throughout the sport and I’m so grateful for everything you did for me .We are very excited about progeny that you have already produced and lots more to come. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this special time in my career."

At World of Showjumping, we wish California a happy retirement!